Music in the Key of...Settling a Fight



If you're not into checking calendars to see what month it is, look no further than local television commercials to get your answer. The one thing I can't stand about November is the incessant campaign commercials that do little to sway my opinion and create more mudslinging than anyone cares to clean up. The more I see these commercials, the more I think of how successful a candidate who just promotes themselves would be in a race, rather than one that points outs its opponent's flaws. Those who side with me, there's a light at the end of the tunnel.

Election Day is tomorrow, November 8, meaning no more obnoxious commercials, no more pre-recorded calls during the day and no more coverage of the nasty wars of words surrounding the event. Let's all celebrate by taking a big, deep breath with some music to take the edge of our irritation. Below is a collection of songs to to get you to kiss and make up, or shake hands and start acting like adults again.

"Let's Call It Off" by Peter Bjorn and John
Let's start our reconciliation by first choosing to set aside our differences and not fight. Once the election is over, party lines will continue to divide our candidates, but hopefully they can start acting civil again and send their copywriters into time out for creating so much hype. These three Swedes know where it's at, letting bygones be bygones in saying, "We just have had enough of us," (yes, you and all of Western New York) and going about their lives. Below is the remix by mash up master Girl Talk.

Let's Call It Off (Girl Talk Remix) by kateblechinger

"Don't Gotta Work It Out" by Fitz and the Tantrums
Once we've decided to drop the argument, we can agree to disagree. True, this song is more suitable for a relationship on the rocks than politicians vying to lead the way, but it's fitting in the sense that these guys probably aren't ever going to see eye to eye and won't just cave into the other's side because they lost the election. The same applies to those riled up by choosing sides in the political debates this time of the month who are thinking of ditching all those opposed to them and making new friends within their own party lines (Ok, maybe a bit harsh and a bit too far). Don't get too carried away with it all, but don't compromise your own beliefs and let's just get along.

Fitz and the Tantrums - Don't Gotta Work it Out by TheTop22

"Float On" by Modest Mouse
One of the best songs to communicate the old adage, "S#@$ happens," Modest Mouse's first breakthrough track is perfect for walking away from a fight whether you come out the victor or the loser. There's always next year, next term, next whatever to try again and everything is going to be fine aside from a few injuries to your pride. Granted, the results of an election tend to have quite a bit of influence from that day forward, meaning that those not on the winning side will have a constant reminder of it every day, but don't worry, as Isaac Brock would say, "Good news will make it's way to all them plans."

Modest Mouse - Float On by Protooo

"Wake Up" by Arcade Fire
An election marks the dawning of a new political era, or so they say. Why else would so much effort be put into something if it wasn't going to cause some important change? What better way to ring in the new day (that glorious Wednesday after the election) than with Arcade Fire's appropriately named track off 2004's Funeral. This song really is a breath of fresh air that helps you start anew with an epic sound combining orchestral instruments with those characteristic of the rock genre in a way that makes you sit back in awe. If all else fails, perhaps this track can help you put your arguments and differences aside by making you forget them all together.


"Why Can't We Be Friends" by War
A simplistic classic that really just says it all. It's guaranteed to inspire smiles as well as bro hugs, maybe even a little head bobbing and some impromptu sing-alongs. Don't try to substitue this one with any of its covers, the original is the way to go whether your disagreement is political, personal or something ridiculous like why a band called War is singing about getting along. In the end, we're all better off being friends and ignoring the propaganda.


Brianne Galli

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